Think of a domain name as a unique worldwide address. No two web sites can have the same address or "Domain".
Every web site owner must pay a yearly renewal fee to maintain the use of their domain name. You never really "own" the domain. You basically pay for the right to use it.
Examples of Domain names:
websiteforge.com
google.com
yahoo.com
To avoid a situation where two people try to use the same domain name -- a world wide database is maintained and shared by companies called Registrars.
You may be familiar with a few registrars like Register.com, Go Daddy, and Network Solutions.
Website Forge is a Register.com reseller. Register.com is one of the largest registrars online.
When someone types in your domain name into a browser your computer will go to this database and look for directions on where to find your web site. It's important that your Registrar provides accurate directions. These directions are called DNS Settings.
DNS Settings
DNS Settings are addresses used by your Registrar to redirect a visitor to the server or host that your web site is physically located. There are generally two or three addresses. Website Forge requires two addresses to be configured at your Registrar to work properly. Website Forge DNS Settings look like this:
Primary Server: ALTNS1.WEBSITEFORGE.COM
Secondary Server: ALTNS2.WEBSITEFORGE.COM
If you domain name DNS settings are anything other than the above, your Website Forge site or e-mail will not work properly. You must change them. This change may take up to 48 hours to apply.
New customers that already own a domain name
You must login to your current Registrar (the place you originally purchased your domain name) and make the above DNS Settings changes. Please contact support if you require assistance with these settings. Changes can take up to 48 hours.
New customers that purchased a domain name with Website Forge or received a free domain name
Your domain name can be managed at www.rcomexpress.com . Please contact support if you do not know your domain name usename and password. This may be different from your Website Forge Member's Area login.